Finland’s Minister of Defense authorizes the purchase of AARGM-ER anti-radiation missiles for F-35 Lightning II fighters.
Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen authorized the Finnish Defense Forces on October 23, 2024, to purchase Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) missiles. The missiles, to be procured by the Finnish Defense Forces Logistics Command, will enhance the survivability of the F-35 multirole fighter operating under the threat of adversary ground-based long-range air defense systems. The AGM-88G AARGM-ER missiles will be used with the Finnish Air Force’s F-35A multirole fighter, replacing the capabilities of the F/A-18 Hornet.
The procurement includes missiles, software, spare parts, accessories, manuals and documentation, transportation services, as well as manufacturer and supplier training, repair and support services in 2024-2031, as set out in the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA). The missile system will be delivered in accordance with the service introduction schedule for the Finnish Air Force’s F-35A multirole fighters.
The AGM-88G AARGM-ER represents a new type of capability for the Defense Forces that has not been procured before by Finland. The missiles to be purchased are part of the weapons included in the F-35A fighter acquisition package. The need for the capability achieved with Northrop Grumman’s AARGM-ER missiles was recognized during the bidding phase of the HX Program, and the request for authorization to procure the 150 missiles was submitted to the U.S. Government in 2018. The U.S. Congress authorized the sale of the missiles to Finland in the fall of 2023, in a deal valued at $500 million. Finland is one of the first countries outside the United States to be authorized to sell AGM-88G AARGM-ER missiles.
«AARGM-ER missiles expand the range of mission types conducted by the Air Force while increasing the survivability of the F-35 fleet in the area affected by the enemy’s ground-based air defence systems. This contributes to the F-35’s capability of protecting Army and Navy combat operations and vital assets of our society», says F-35 Programme Director, Colonel (ret.) Henrik Elo.
